If you’re a fan of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’, you’ll want to listen to the incredible cover from Drawing North. Then, you’ll want to check out a lot more by the band themselves. The guys in Drawing North are from Australia and they’re in the process of recreating their own unique sound as well as on a constant journey for new inspiration and growth.
When we first heard Drawing North, we were immediately impressed. Their own music is phenomenal and the covers they’ve done of hit songs showcase their unique talent. Just days ago, they released a music video for their tune ‘Stay’ and it’s the perfect song and video for summer. It’s festival-inspired and gives off ultra chill vibes.
We got to talk with Drew Southwell from Drawing North for an interview and we are so excited to share it with you. Check out their cover of ‘Shape of You’ and then read more about the new band you’ll be adding to all of your best playlists.
For new fans, tell us a little bit about how you became a band. Were you longtime friends? Did you meet later on in life?
Jake and I (Drew) grew up together and we met Po along the way. It wasn’t until we had finished school where we decided to try start a band!
One thing a lot of people are talking about is your cover of ‘Shape of You’ – the song was such an instant hit when Ed released it, were you nervous to cover a song that had that much attention on it?
I think we were more excited than nervous. Our version is quite different and brings in a lot of different elements compared to Ed’s version, so I think we were just excited to show people our style of it.
Tell us about your latest single ‘Stay’.
Stay is about the feeling of wanting a moment or person to stay. It’s an uplifting song that’s fun and if you were to put a visual to it, I’d definitely say it has the scene of a music festival with good friends and maybe a special person that’s close to you. You don’t want that moment to end.
What is the best advice you’ve been given as a band? As individuals?
We were given some really great advice a few years ago from a music/film director in LA. He told us to trust our gut and to always write. Long story short, we were going through a ‘rough’ patch and were essentially told our music wasn’t good enough. We had dinner with our manager and this director and his advice really helped mold us and encourage us.
What’s been your favorite venue to play so far?
We’ve played some pretty big outdoor venues to thousands of people, which has been insane. One of my personal favorites was our first ever EP launch in our hometown of Canberra, Australia. It was this beautiful hall with really old architecture and we sold it out to 600 people. It was a really special night.
What is your dream venue?
Red Rocks or Madison Square Garden. Hollywood Bowl too!
What was the best concert you’ve ever attended?
We performed at SXSW last year where we watched X Ambassadors on our day off. I remember thinking that they were one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen.
Where do you find your inspiration coming from most often?
A lot of it comes from what we go through every day. I often draw on past experiences and try and dig up some kind of emotion or story that I’ve been a part of in the past. Inspiration can honestly come from anywhere though. Just this morning I walked past a sign with a phrase on it and I thought it would make a cool lyric.
Where is the most unique place you’ve found inspiration?
I wrote a song recently about New York. I went there a month ago for the first time and had an amazing experience. I wouldn’t say that’s super unique but to me, it meant a lot because my whole life I had dreamt of being there and I finally got to.
What is your guilty pleasure song?
We occasionally will bring out some classics on tour like the Spice Girls or Shakira! Actually I know Po loves that boy band ‘Five’!
Is there an album or song that you go to when you need a perspective change? If so, what is it?
I wouldn’t say a select album. For me, I like to listen to what’s out and current. Who’s doing new and interesting things and who’s changing the game a little. Oftentimes though, I find I don’t listen to anything when I write and I try to focus on being creative without outside influence. That’s not always the case though.
What song of your own means the most to you as a band?
Our upcoming single “Think About You” means the most to me. It’s my personal favourite song of ours and I think the lyrics can really hit home sometimes.
What would you like to do this year that you’ll look back on and say ‘that was an incredible moment?’
We’ve been lucky enough to already tick our main goals off for this year, which were; record a new EP, get our American artist visas and toured some of America. Although if we can finish out the year with a solid few more months of touring the USA that would be a big achievement for us.
Where can new fans go to find out new information?
Our website is www.wearedrawingnorth.com which links through to all our socials!
Check out the band and let us know what your favorite song from Drawing North is, we’ll chat with you about it.